The Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action for a Safer World (1994) emphasized the importance of a proactive approach to disaster risk reduction. It recognized that effective prevention is not just about building strong infrastructure but also about providing timely and reliable information to the public.
Using telecommunications for early warning systems allows for the rapid dissemination of critical information to a large population. This includes:
Timely Alerts: Warnings about impending hazards, such as tsunamis, hurricanes, or floods, can be sent out quickly via mobile phones, radio, and television.
Evacuation Guidance: These systems can provide clear instructions on evacuation routes and safe areas, helping to minimize loss of life.
Public Awareness: They can be used to continuously educate the public on local risks and what to do during an emergency.
By leveraging telecommunications, governments and disaster management agencies can ensure that communities are better prepared to respond to a hazard, thus reducing the human and economic impact of a disaster. This is a vital component of the "culture of prevention" advocated by the Yokohama Strategy.
